"Golden Hour"

Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Bryan Hudson
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2 Peter 1:19 (NIV) We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.For a photographer, the best light of the day is morning light. The quality of the light is warm, glowing and it enhances the colors of everything else. Sometimes morning fog drapes the landscape. It is called the “Golden Hour.” The only downside to morning light is that it changes quickly and soon gives way to “normal” daylight.God’s word is warm, glowing and He enhances everything and everyone. Unlike the Golden Hour, God’s word does not go away, but there are optimal times for receiving it. Insight from God is not “on-demand" like our cable box, Roku, or AppleTV. We don’t switch Him on and off as we do our televisions.While God is ever-present, He wants to, and we need to, enjoy special time with Him. Those times are special because of the insights, ideas, and inspiration we receive. It feels like, and looks like, a new day dawning and the sun rising.Life is full of necessary routines. Look forward to your special Golden Hour with the Lord.

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The Great Exchange...."Jesus on the Mainline"

Monday, March 13, 2017
Bryan Hudson
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But those who hope in the Lord will renew [exchange] their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31 From time to time, we all need renewal and refreshing. The normal activities and challenges of life take a toll. There are also special circumstances like the passing of loved ones or unexpected setbacks in life.Whatever the situation, God has made a provision through His grace. Grace is everything God has that He makes available to us. And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. (John 1:16)God’s method for renewal is something I call “The Great Exchange.” This is nothing new. It is a very old and biblical understanding of how God works in our lives. We cannot change ourselves using our own strength. We can make superficial adjustments, but deep and lasting change must come from our Creator. The Great Exchange began with Jesus giving His holy life for our sinful lives. He died in our place to take away our sins, and not only our sins but the sins of all people. (1 John 2:2, New Century Version)As a photographer, I’ve become highly skilled at using my various cameras, but when my camera needs deep cleaning, calibration or repair, I have to send it to Nikon, Canon, Sony or Panasonic. I have to give up use of the camera and exchange my understanding for the manufacturer’s expertise.Early in 2016, I experienced some pain in my lower leg after a workout. I “diagnosed” myself with a slight Achilles tendon strain (I had a rupture years ago and knew the difference). I put ice on it, rested it, and later began to slowly stretch it (as I “learned” from an almighty Google search!) The pain persisted off and on, so I went to the doctor months(!)later. A specialist diagnosed it as a partially torn Achilles tendon. It was like strands of a rope that had been torn with remaining strands bearing the load. All my efforts only made it worse, especially stretching it.My best help came from doing an exchange of my limited (and foolish) diagnosis for a real doctor’s diagnosis and treatment. For this injury, surgery was not needed. I had to take pressure off the tendon by wearing a special boot at home and dress boots with a high heel when away from home. The high heel relieved tension on the tendon.When I exchanged my knowledge for the doctor’s knowledge, my situation changed. Is there any situation in your life that would benefit from the Great Exchange? Jesus is our Specialist! Don’t frustrate yourself or make matters worse by trying to sort things out all by yourself.Like the old folks used to say, “Jesus is on the mainline, call Him up and tell Him what you want!”___________Listen to my message from Sunday, March 12, “The Empowerment of Encouragement: The Great Exchange.”

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Friday, March 03, 2017
Bryan Hudson
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I am pleased to present another in a series of live and on-demand video programs called "Firm Foundation with Bryan Hudson." The programs feature Bible studies, conversations, productivity technology insights.

Program #105 features a productivity technology insight on Google Voice, which is a free service that provide a telephone number, voicemail service, with many great features. The Bible Study is on the topic "Peace in the Middle of Your Stom: Overcoming Conflicts." (click on graphic below to view the program)

Jesus promises peace. Life brings storms such as conflicts in relationships and in our circumstances. The peace that Christ brings to your life is ¯ than the difficulties. Learn how to stay in peace even when you have to deal with people and resolve conflicts.

Proverbs 4:23, Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.

Having peace in the middle of any of conflict begins with “keeping (guarding) your heart.” Conflict is not only the challenge of resolving interpersonal issues, it is also something that intends to degrade your inner peace.

The heart's central role in conflict is described in James 4:1-3. When you understand this passage, you will have found a key to preventing and resolving conflict.

"What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures."

Most conflicts that are manifest in your circumstances began with conflicts within your own heart. Peace in your heart and peace in your circumstances are not the same. The first key to resolving conflict is to establish peace in your own heart and mind.

Romans 12:18, If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.

If you enjoy this program, visit www.FirmFoundationTV.net to view other programs and life-lifting content. If you are blessed and inspired by the content, I encourage you to Subscribe to this blog and consider making a donation to support this ministry.